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Family Day

One thing my husband and I have instituted a while back is Family Day. At least one day on the weekend, we try to get the whole family out of the house, to do *something*. It doesn't matter what it is -- lunch out, a visit to a coffee shop, a visit to a shopping mall, etc. -- we do something together. Most weeks we succeed in doing so, despite grumblings from certain teenage members of the family now and then. ;-)

Today was one such day. And I really enjoyed it. After a lovely day with my daughter and husband yesterday, an afternoon with my whole famly was wonderful today. (even the grumbles were amusing!)

I know I am lucky to have such amazing children, and I am grateful that it doesn't take a sledgehammer to get them to spend some time with me. But it isn't just Family Days really -- we also do family dinners every night of the week, I was able to get them all downstairs when it was time to decorate the Christmas tree (and with a teenager in the house that is a FEAT!), and there are a number of other things we do together.

That togetherness is important to me, even if it does take some 'encouragement' to make it happen now and then. These are special times, and I treasure them, all the more because I know it can't last. I have a son on the cusp of college and university, another son just moving up into high school and a daughter who thinks she's at least 13. ;-) Time is fleeting and my interval of having them all around me will be done before I know it.

So today, I really relished in family day and made another memory I can look back on in years to come. Plus I had fun with my kids, which always makes a day a good one.

Filed under: children daughter family parenting relationships son teenage
 

A Day with my Daughter

 Saturdays are usually a day my husband and I spend out of the house. Now that our boys are secondary school age, they typically don't want to come with us. But my daughter, still primary school age, has been happy being out with us since she was little.

Now, though, that her oldest brother is of an age to be babysitter, my daughter has lately wanted to come out with us less often. And today was no exception. However, my husband persuaded her to come along. (probably with the promise of 'treats', knowing him, but the end justified the means. :-) )

I'm so glad he did. Today was genuinely a pleasure. I enjoyed all the cuddles, hugs and kisses that she happily dishes out, and I truly enjoyed just holding her hand and walking and talking with her.

I've never been one of those mothers who wanted to keep her children small. As my children grow I've found myself enjoying their personalities and growing senses of humour. And I recognise that these times can't last, so I need to appreciate them while I have them.

If anything, I appreciate my daughter more now than ever. You see she was a Daddy's Girl, literally for years. She still loved me, but Daddy was the clear favourite in all situations. I've found my way back in somehow, and I'm relishing being here. So I'll take all the hugs, kisses, cuddles, sitting on laps, holding hands, and even the occasional tantrums she gives me.

So I'm happy and grateful for today, and thankful to have time to spend with a lovely little girl that I constantly enjoy getting to know.

Filed under: child children daughter parent relationships
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